What you should know before hiring a car in Milan

Practical information

Where to rent a car in Milan

Located in the north of Italy, not far from the country's border with Switzerland, Milan is famous for fashion, high-end dining, great shopping, and cutting-edge design. It is also known as the home to iconic architectural masterpieces such as the Duomo di Milano, a cathedral built in the Gothic style. Visitors traveling to Milan by plane will likely arrive in the city's Milan-Malpensa Airport, which is one of Italy's busiest airports. From here, travelers can take a taxi into the city center; trains are also available, with the Malpensa Express transporting visitors from the airport to Milan's main train station, Milano Centrale. There is a number of companies offering rental car services from Milan-Malpensa. These include Ace Rental Cars, Flizzr, Hertz, Locauto, and Thrifty. While driving in Milan itself may be something of an adventure, the benefits of opting for a rental car are best seen when traveling outside of the city. With the freedom of renting a car, the areas surrounding Milan are easily explored – and the roads are so scenic, you'll be happy you chose to drive!

Driving in Milan: where to park, and other tips

As mentioned, driving in Milan can be an adventure. The Italians are not known for their patience behind the wheel, however once you've got the rules of the road down, you'll find driving in Milan easier than you may think. Pay attention to the speed limit, which will be displayed on traffic signs. It is also worth noting that in Milan's city center, a congestion charge applies on weekdays (this is €5). It can be very busy, so if possible we would advise parking outside this area. The area covered by the congestion charge is home to some of the city's most popular attractions, and exploring on foot is recommended to enjoy these to their fullest!

When it comes to parking, drivers have a few different options. Finding a curbside parking space is one: these are marked in blue, and a ticket is required – the price varies depending on how close to the center you are. There are also a number of public parking lots and park + ride lots for drivers to use. Car Parking EU is a great site to visit for more information.

Road trips from Milan

Milan is located in the picturesque Lombardy region, which boasts plenty of great destinations for a day trip or longer stay away from the city. We run through three of the many awesome attractions which can be reached by rental car from Milan.

Lake Como

A stunning piece of Italian countryside, located just a 1 hour 35 minute drive from Milan, Lake Como is both glamorous and laid-back. High end resorts can be found around the lake, which may also be recognisable thanks to its role in a number of famous movies, including Casino Royale and Ocean's Twelve. Take a few days and get to know the area better, taking in some of its finest sights: Villa del Balbianello is home to a museum; Como Cathedral is worth a visit; and the Castello di Vezio offers sweeping views over Lake Como itself.

Lake Garda and Verona

Located just two hours east of Milan, Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake and is popular with visitors from across Italy and beyond. Adventurous types can enjoy water sports such as sailing, canoeing, and even diving. There are hiking trails around Monte Baldo, a mountain overlooking the lake, while families can head to the Gardaland theme park. Extend your road trip by heading a little further east to the city of Verona, where Shakespeare's "Rome and Juliet" was set. Don't miss a visit to "Juliet's House," complete with the balcony from which Juliet heard Romeo's declaration of love.

Turin

A drive of just under two hours from Milan, the city of Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region. A visit to this beautiful metropolis will allow visitors to see sights such as the Palace of Venaria, the Royal Palace of Turin, and the Basilica of Superga. The city is also known for its food, so be sure to put a meal at a traditional Italian restaurant on your Turin bucket list.